There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, creamy soup to make you feel cozy, especially when it’s homemade. This creamy potato and hamburger soup is the epitome of comfort, a dish that warms the soul on chilly days. I first made this soup on a cold winter evening while preparing for a holiday trip to the States. I wanted to clear out my fridge and pantry, and I couldn’t think of a better way to do it than with a hearty soup. The aroma of sizzling ground beef, garlic, and onions quickly filled the kitchen, bringing back memories of family dinners. As the soup simmered away, it transformed into a creamy, flavorful bowl of goodness that was both satisfying and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 6 cups Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups frozen vegetable mix (or vegetables of choice)
- 3 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
How to Make the Soup:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Prepare the Aromatics
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions have softened. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This will prevent the soup from becoming too greasy. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant.
Step 2: Transfer to Crockpot or Stockpot
Once the garlic is fragrant, transfer the beef and garlic mixture to your crockpot or stockpot. If you’re using a crockpot, set it aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients. If you’re using a stockpot, proceed with cooking on the stovetop.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Broth
Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the crockpot or stockpot, followed by the chicken broth. This will form the flavorful base for the soup. Stir in your chosen vegetable mix, and then season with basil and parsley. The vegetables bring a nice texture and flavor, while the herbs will elevate the overall taste.
Step 4: Cook and Simmer
For crockpot cooking: Set the crockpot to low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to soften and the flavors to blend beautifully.
For stovetop cooking: Bring the soup mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, uncovered, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Thicken and Add Creaminess
While the soup is simmering, make a cornstarch slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and milk in a small bowl. Once the potatoes are soft, slowly pour the slurry into the soup while stirring constantly to prevent any lumps. This will thicken the soup, giving it a rich and creamy texture.
Now, stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese and let it melt completely into the soup. This step will give the soup a velvety, cheesy richness that’s hard to resist.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese has melted and the soup is thick and creamy, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Variations and Substitutions:
This recipe is highly versatile, and you can adjust it based on your preferences:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use your favorite frozen or fresh vegetables, such as carrots, peas, corn, or green beans.
- Meat Alternatives: For a lighter version, try using ground turkey or chicken. You can even use a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Dairy-Free Version: To make it dairy-free, simply omit the Velveeta and use dairy-free milk (such as almond or soy milk) along with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion:
This creamy potato and hamburger soup is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction. It’s perfect for cold nights, busy days, or when you need a quick and hearty meal. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it easy to prepare, while the final result is a rich, creamy soup that’s full of flavor. Whether you serve it for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or simply enjoy it on your own, this soup is sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy the coziness and flavor of homemade comfort food!
Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Made in the Crockpot
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 400 kcal
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Cook the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer to Crockpot or Stockpot: Move the beef mixture to a crockpot or stockpot.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Stir in diced potatoes, chicken broth, frozen vegetables, basil, and parsley.
- Cook: Set the crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Alternatively, simmer on the stovetop for 30-40 minutes.
- Thicken the Soup: Mix cornstarch and milk, then stir into the soup. Add Velveeta cheese and let it melt.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Enjoy this comforting bowl of creamy potato and hamburger soup, perfect for any occasion!
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